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Sixth-Grade Scientists Combine Research and Digital Design

November 2, 2017

The move from Lower to Middle School is a big step all around—in terms of culture, content, and expectations. But judging from the science unit they just completed, our sixth graders have made the leap more than successfully—becoming ethologists (you’ll have to look that one up!) who are skilled at careful observation, interpretation, and problem solving.

Taking a deep dive into animal behavior and habitats (and a trip to the zoo) were a great way to kick off the school year. Throughout this 10-week unit, team taught by Middle School science teacher Mary Jane Hoff (C’92), digital media and integrated studies teacher Sam Dry, and integrated studies teacher Dan Sheets (US’81, C’85), students focused on a real-world need—improving animal enclosures at zoos—and received expert advice and feedback from a professional zookeeper.

Early in the unit, the class visited the Saint Louis Zoo—regarded as one of the best zoos in the country—to observe and make notes on habitats and enclosures for a wide range of animals, from the polar bear to the okapi. Back at school, they each chose an animal and researched its natural habitat, including how it interacts with and adapts to its environment. Students chose to study the puma, pancake tortoise, king vulture, and American alligator, among other creatures. They also had to learn about specific trees and plants that could be used to create a more authentic zoo habitat.

For instance, Wylie chose the ring-tailed lemur because “I really like monkeys, and I like fixing things.” To improve on the current primate enclosures at the zoo, she designed a space “that has lots of enrichment and special spaces the animal can use,” while also providing more information for visitors. For the king vulture, Peyton made sure his design included tropical trees “such as the Brazil nut and Bixa orellana . . . for the vulture to fly up into the trees, and also camouflage itself” while eating and, of course, a “Do not tap on the glass” sign.

In a separate Digital Media class taught by Dry, students learned to use CoSpaces, a 3D and virtual reality design tool. They found the software both challenging and fun to learn, and were excited to immediately apply it to their enclosure designs for the science unit.

Saint Louis Zoo’s carnivore keeper, Erin Tully, visited the class twice—early in the unit to discuss issues relating to design, access, safety, and other essential features of zoo habitats; and at the very end, when she served as one of two experts reviewing the students’ presentations on their selected animal and habitat design. (The other expert was Upper school biology teacher Ross Furbush (US’11).) Tully spoke to the students about ongoing plans to renovate and create new and more authentic enclosures at the Saint Louis Zoo, and she was full of praise for their ideas and designs.

Students also graded their own presentations, based on content and communication rubrics, and, after carefully reviewing their classmates’ CoSpaces designs, shared their thoughts on the strong points of each. Luka praised one of his classmate’s designs for demonstrating the clear understanding that “This is not just an enclosure, it is a habitat.” Other peer observations included the following: “found a way to pack all the information in;” “really understood the needs of the animals;” and “presented smoothly and clearly.”

Next, the class will research an extinct animal species and their habitat and adaptations, then build a model exhibit for that animal, applying skills and knowledge from this current unit. We can’t wait to see what they’ll create and share!